During the time Steve was working on our deck, I made a full pot of coffee instead of the half pot I do every morning. So a day ago I poured water for half a pot but added a full pouch of coffee without thinking. Wow. I drank every drop but I can’t do that every day. Here’s mud in your eye.

The original contractor for the pool deck came by and wanted money for the pavers. He said he’d give us two guys to finish the work and we told him don’t bother, it’s done. He also wanted the total second half of the contract amount so we said we would pay him for the pavers and would require a release of lien and that’s all we would do. Da noive.

Nadine came over and took photos of the deck and loaded them into my computer but MyBloggers’s program said the photos are too large. Cropping would really result in a bad photo. Does anyone know how to reduce pixels? (I do not use a Mac.)

Toni, my new art class friend called this morning to tell me that the dimensions on the torso box of the figure we are making has been altered to 2 ¼ inches from 3. I had done that part but wasn’t happy with it. I’m starting over. Only have one day left, won’t be bringing all the homework. He gives a lot. But I say that because I haven’t yet morphed out of my dilettante phase. Hey, I might start focusing. Don’t give up on me yet.

Since the art pads we are using have to be large and since I am not driving to class (1/2 hour walk one way) I have taken a huge, heavy duty garbage bag to put the pads in and devised a sling for it to hang on my shoulder, but I have a feeling it will come apart as I am walking. Snarl. If I drive, I will have the car from 9:45 till 1:15 and Ed will get withdrawal symptoms (not a pretty sight). If I have him drop me off, he’ll have to come get me and then I’ll still have to gear myself up to walk the same route so I can get my exercise. I will be unmotivated by then. I’m still thinkin’ on it.

Years ago I owned a leather art case of the right dimensions but it has fallen apart (I bought it in 1954). Anyway, it is heavy. I think Ed has one in the crawl space. He used it to tote ad campaign art when he had his ad agency. If I need one, I can crawl around up there (aaargh) and try to find it.

I feel strangely good about getting active in something. Almost like having a job. (I said almost).

Xx, Teal